Communication Ministry Says Election-Related Hoaxes Increase Tenfold This Year
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27 October 2023 18:21 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Informatics Ministry found 98 issues of general election-related hoaxes from the beginning of January to October 26, 2023. Minister Budi Arie Setiadi stated that this number is a drastic rise compared to last year.
"Throughout 2022, there were ten findings of election-related hoaxes. This year, the findings increase tenfold," he said during a press conference today, Friday, October 27, 2023.
Minister Budi Arie also explained that July 2023 recorded the highest jolt of hoaxes found by the ministry. According to the data he presented, in January and February, there was one hoax finding respectively. The number increased in March to 8 findings of hoaxes, 1 hoax in April, 5 hoaxes in May, and 9 hoaxes in June.
Meanwhile, in July, the ministry recorded 14 instances of hoaxes concerning the upcoming elections, with 18 hoaxes in August. Despite a decrease to 13 in September, the number rose again in October to 21 election-related hoaxes on October 26, 2023.
"The distribution of hoax and disinformation concerning the general elections were conducted through various social media platforms, but mostly on Facebook," he said.
The minister stated that election-related hoaxes could lower the quality of democracy, and will potentially disrupt the nation's unity. "It could create distrust among Indonesian citizens," he concluded.
RIRI RAHAYU
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